The 24th Inter-Plantation Rugby Sevens is set to light up the hill country once again, bringing together the vibrant plantation community for a weekend of fast-paced Sevens rugby and carnival-like festivities at the Darrawella Club ground in Dickoya on Saturday (4), with the kick-off scheduled for 08:00 a.m.
Tournament organisers, the Dickoya Maskeliya Cricket Club (DMCC), revealed the details at a press briefing held at the Havelock Sports Club on Friday (27).
Emphasising that the tournament had been held uninterrupted since 2002, Tournament Director and former Ananda College rugby player Manjula Samarakoon stated that in order to mark its silver jubilee next year, they would explore the possibility of bringing down a foreign team as well.
The competition is to be played for the glittering Bartleet Meyer Trophy, a symbol of excellence and pride among the 12 plantation teams.
The teams who will be competing for the silverware will be Maskeliya-Namunukula Plantations combined team, Talawakelle Plantations, Lankem Plantations (combination of Kotagala-Agarapathana Plantations), Malwatte Valley Plantations, Hatton Plantations, Elpitiya Plantations, Balangoda-Madolsima Plantations combined team, Browns Plantations (combination of Mathurata, Pussellewa and Hapugaskanda Plantations), and Kelani Valley Plantations.
The organisers stated that the event had grown in stature over the years, attracting strong participation and enthusiastic masses from across the hill country.
The Cup Championship – the most coveted segment of the tournament – was clinched by Malwatte Valley Plantations in 2025 with the title-holders set to defend it this time around, while Talawakelle Tea Estates, last year’s runners-up, will be aiming to go one better this time around.
Meanwhile, Maskeliya Plantations lifted the Plate Championship in 2025, while Elpitiya Plantations secured the Bowl segment. Both Kotagala and Agarapathana Plantations will be joint defending champions of the Shield division this year.
The tournament is set to be attended by Hatton Plantations Managing Director Menaka Athukorala as Chief Guest, while the presence of other key figures within the plantation sector such as Mark Dirkze and Channa de Costa will also add prestige to the occasion.
With continued backing from Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) and its president Pavithra Fernando, the 24th Plantation Rugby Sevens promises not only high-octane rugby but also a lively, family-friendly festival, making it a celebration both on and off the pitch.